Please can someone explain further the part 'devotee association' plays in coming to the spiritual platform and second how it is best practiced/performed ?
Thank you
Hare Krsna
Nick
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Replies
Hare KRsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
Devotee association is the first step we take towards Krsna. It is A in the ABCD of devotion. By associating with devotees, we come to know so many things about Krsna, acharyas, vaishnav etiquette, get enthused in service.....the list is endless.
LIke when we study for an exam, we try to do group study or we try to atleast be in touch with people who are studying for the same exam, that same way, when we prepare for the final exam - anta kale ca maam eva...., we associate with like minded devotees who have the same goal.
It is said a man is known by the company he keeps. The association we keep has a deep mark on our psyche. Therefore, if we associate with people who don't smoke, drink, eat non veg, talk dirty, we are likely to develop the same habits and maintain them.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Ok Thank you..How is one to maintain this association if one has to go to work/job amongst non practitioners of bhakti, ones family members aren't practicing bhaktas etc.. Its starts to become very difficult to follow this injunction..
Should one change ones work/home to be closer to temple or to get more devotee association? I read Lord Caitanya said stay in your position and chant Maha Mantra.
Nick
Hare KRsna prabhuji,
PAMHO.
One has to find what suits one best, keeping the interest of bhakti in mind. Moving closer to temple or finding congregation in one's locality are 2 options that are very feasible.
One can be part of WhatsApp groups as well as online association of devotees in websites like this one, watching online http://mayapur.tv; http://vrindavan.tv for hearing lectures or temple programs.
There are so many lectures in youtube one could watch them. There are so many things one can do. The only thing required is the desire.
I understand your parents are not favourable, work environment is also materialistic, still its possible to be a devotee and be devoted to the path, provided you have the desire. If you have the desire, you will put efforts in that direction. One step forward in this direction and Krsna takes 10 steps towards you.
Haribol,
Your servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD